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The podcast episode features an interview with Dr. Monica Gonzalez Ramirez, a first-generation Mexican-American scientist who shares how the work ethic passed down from her immigrant parents shaped her approach to both life and academia. Monica reflects on the challenges of being a minority in STEM and how navigating systemic disadvantages helped her develop resilience, adaptability, and deep resourcefulness. She opens up about the emotional difficulty of changing labs or mentors, emphasizing that while these transitions can be scary, they often lead to better, more aligned opportunities. Monica shares how she learned to separate her identity from her academic output, reminding listeners that you are not your work—your value lies in who you are as a person. She also underscores the importance of maintaining personal integrity above all, especially in a research environment that may sometimes challenge those values. Staying connected to the original curiosity and purpose that drew one into science, she says, is key to remaining grounded and authentic. Monica also discusses her involvement in outreach initiatives, describing how empowering it is to be surrounded by curious female scientists who are committed to giving back. For her, being part of a community that serves others reinforces a sense of purpose and belonging in science. Throughout the conversation, Monica highlights the importance of building relationships based on mutual trust and support. Her story is a moving testament to inner strength, authenticity, and the importance of community and connection in academic spaces.

Are you interested in sharing your story on the DASL Podcast? Nominate yourself or someone you know to be a guest by filling out our intake form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdMipiFRpxpWj_IEDte8mBAKA9n7BCe2ylBLNNY_H6zTE5Ogg/viewform.
We’re excited to feature voices that inspire, empower, and contribute to our diverse community.

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The podcast episode features an interview with Dr Christian Cazares, who shares his inspiring journey as an immigrant from Mexico, whose parents juggled multiple jobs to provide for their family, instilling in him a strong work ethic that would drive his academic and professional journey. Christian reflects on how scholarships were pivotal in making higher education possible for him and the importance of taking strategic steps in building a successful academic career. He discusses how his post-bac experience provided the clarity he needed to create a strong and successful Ph.D. application, highlighting the importance of papers and fellowships. Christian also opens up about dealing with rejection and the resilience it takes to overcome setbacks in academia. He emphasizes the importance of putting people first in academia and staying true to one’s values when choosing mentors and collaborators, offering advice on how being selective about who you work with can make a huge difference in your career. Christian’s journey is an inspiring testament to hard work, resilience, and the pursuit of academic excellence, all while staying aligned with personal values and goals. His story is a powerful reminder of the value of perseverance, making intentional career decisions, and staying true to one’s values, especially in a time when immigrants often face negative perceptions.

Are you interested in sharing your story on the DASL Podcast? Nominate yourself or someone you know to be a guest by filling out our intake form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdMipiFRpxpWj_IEDte8mBAKA9n7BCe2ylBLNNY_H6zTE5Ogg/viewform.
We’re excited to feature voices that inspire, empower, and contribute to our diverse community.

Send us a text

The podcast episode features an interview with Dr. Arash Fassihi, a project scientist in the Kleinfeld Laboratory at UC San Diego, where he investigates orofacial movements in rats and explores how the brainstem coordinates complex neural circuitry. In this episode, Dr. Fassihi shares his remarkable academic journey, spanning Iran, Italy, and the U.S., discussing how a pivotal talk on neuronal communication inspired his lifelong fascination with understanding how the brain perceives the external world and translates it into action. He highlights his significant contributions to neuroscience and emphasizes the value of knowing when to let go of an idea, especially when time and resources aren’t right, and how focusing on what truly matters—health and freedom—can provide clarity and purpose. Dr. Fassihi further reflects on how living across three distinct cultures has shaped his personal and scientific perspectives. He discusses the systemic challenges he faced as an Iranian, including visa restrictions, limited travel, and discrimination, and offers profound insights into the importance of appreciating rights that others may take for granted. Dr. Fassihi also shares his strategies for coping with these challenges, from embracing Iranian poetry and philosophy to adopting a broader perspective that emphasizes resilience, mindfulness, and finding strength in adversity. His story is a compelling testament to persistence, cultural adaptability, and the pursuit of excellence in the face of personal and systemic obstacles.

Are you interested in sharing your story on the DASL Podcast? Nominate yourself or someone you know to be a guest by filling out our intake form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdMipiFRpxpWj_IEDte8mBAKA9n7BCe2ylBLNNY_H6zTE5Ogg/viewform.
We’re excited to feature voices that inspire, empower, and contribute to our diverse community.